Mainebiz

C onsider a woman who just beat breast cancer. She fin- ished her treatment then lost her primary care provider—and couldn't find a new one. So, she tried navigating the healthcare system alone but found it impossible to get referrals for ongoing screenings, preventive care, or even advice to stay healthy. Unfortunately, many throughout Maine and our nation face challenges just like hers. There's good news, however: This patient found support. Her Community Health Options care manager—a dedicated clinician for Members with ongoing or chron- ic conditions—suggested virtual primary care. She decided to give it a try. Within a few days, the woman had her first visit with Firefly Health—a virtual-first primary care provider available to any Member over 18. Soon, she was chatting weekly with a health guide who encouraged new habits for a healthy lifestyle. Her team quickly scheduled her overdue screenings, and when one revealed a concerning result, they connected her with an in-person specialist who started treatment right away. What began as uncertainty ended with trust, connection and a renewed outlook on her health. Virtual care—at its best—offers compassionate, consistent and prompt treatment. Far from the stop- gap it was during the pandemic, it has become a vital, continually evolving piece of the healthcare landscape. It's keeping patients healthier, addressing health concerns earlier and reducing stress—especially when access to in-person care is a challenge. According to an annual survey conducted early this year by Portland Marketing Analytics, 46% of Maine respondents said access to a virtual primary care team and virtual urgent care was a priority when selecting a health insurance carrier. This is no small shift. It's a clear expectation of how access should change. Mainers say they still struggle to find the care they need. In the survey, 46% reported long wait times—down slightly from 52% in 2024. And nearly 40% said they can't find providers ac- cepting new patients. These aren't just statistics—they're real people waiting in pain, delaying care and facing the emotional toll of uncertainty. Virtual care helps to close those gaps. Beyond meeting the demand for primary care, Community Health Options has partnered with Twig Health and Blue Circle Health to help manage diabetes. From basic educa- tion and direct care, to secure text messaging that reminds patients to take medications or schedule screenings, these high-tech innova- tions provide high-touch care that makes people healthier. Virtual care is expanding across Maine. As of 2024, Maine ranked 14th in the nation for hospital adoption of telehealth, and providers across the state increasingly meet virtu- ally with their patients. Notably, St. Mary's in Lewiston offers vir- tual primary care. And in January, state regulators expanded access to telehealth mental health services, recognizing the critical need for flexible and accessible care. Patients and providers have learned that virtual care enhances in-person treatment. Even in-person PCPs can more easily share test re- sults or review appointment check- ins to streamline appointments, so doctors spend more time talking with patients about their health than reviewing charts. Virtual urgent care expands options as well, especially when a child spikes a fever at night or over the weekend. The benefits reach employers, too, leading to healthier employees, fewer absences and lower long-term costs. A quick virtual check-in or coaching session can mean the difference between staying on top of a chronic condition—or falling behind. Virtual primary care, urgent care telehealth and creative virtual part- nerships have become critical to group plans at Community Health Options, helping employers to reduce costs, attract talent, and improve the health and productivity of employ- ees. Beyond a clinical solution, it's become a workforce solution. With accessible care from pro- viders who take initiative with a personalized approach—virtually or in person—people feel better, work better and live better. At its core, virtual care's digital innovation transforms care by strengthening human connection. Importantly, it delivers something Mainers have long needed: healthcare that fits their lives. S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T Virtual Care Meets Mainers Where They Are By Dr. Lori Tishler Chief Medical Officer Community Health Options

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